Camping 101

by B.L. Maxwell

Gavin Johnson has been camping as long as he can remember. His family spent a few weeks every summer either on the coast of California or in the forests of the Sierra enjoying the simple life and getting closer to nature. Which is why when he had the opportunity to buy Camp Acorn where he’d worked in his twenties, he jumped at the chance.

Wyatt Jackson loves his life. He has everything he wants or needs at home. But he starts to crave change. He wants a new start, and new experiences. When he sees an ad for a camp for adults nestled deep in the Sierra, he registers for a two-week stay before he has the chance to change his own mind, and quickly regrets that decision.
Staying in a cabin for two weeks is supposed to be an adventure, but Wyatt soon realizes it’s far from luxurious, and there’s also poison oak, bugs, and rattlesnakes to watch out for. Gavin is always there to lend a hand and really wants them all to have fun. Afterall, that’s what Camp Acorn is all about, teaching adults how to have fun and survive in the wilderness, even if they complain the whole time.

Welcome to Pride Camp where diversity and inclusion is our motto. We’ve got daddies, mommies, littles, pets and families of all kinds. So, unroll your sleeping bag, make a couple of smores, and enjoy the show!

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Novella, LGBT, Amazon, Queer

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2025

Reviews

[Yvonne M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the connection between Wyatt and Gavin and how quickly they found each other. Gavin ran a camping camp and this year he started an adult LGBTQ group and that’s how he met and fell for Wyatt. Wyatt is a young man who normally stays by himself and never goes outside if he doesn’t have to. Once Wyatt left Sacramento he had no plans on staying but to his surprise he loved it and didn’t want to go back. He also found the love of his life while pushing himself to be free. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm love stories especially written by BL Maxwell.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.


Gavin works at his family’s camp ground. He has gone there since he was a kid and now he bought it from his parents. He decided to have an adult LGBTQ friendly session before the regular season starts. Wyatt is a young man who has never been camping or really anywhere outside of his home. He decided he wanted to try something new so he decided to go to Gavin’s camp because he is gay and wanted to be comfortable. After the adventures these two had during the start of camp they feel that they are perfect for each other and want to be together after camp is over. Guy brought the camping adventure to life with his narration and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I recommend this book to everyone who loves mm camping outings with strangers and friends to.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camping 101 is a part of the multi-author series Pride Summer Camp 2025. Looking for something different Wyatt decides to attend a summer camp for adults. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out the way he expected. But Gavin, nature lover extraordinaire, is there to help out and make sure Wyatt has a good time. Camping 101 is a sweet low angst read with all the good feels. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brei-ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Camping 101 and struggled to put it down. The story is amazing and I enjoyed reading Wyatt and Gavin's story.

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this sweet book. I only wish it was longer. I wanted to spend more time at camp with Wyatt and Gavin.

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute summer read

4.5/5
This was a cute, sweet, angst-less summer story. Wyatt and Gavin had a severe case of instalust that turned to love pretty quickly. I liked how they supported each other, and I really liked the idea of the camp. The side characters were also good - I could see a couple spinoffs. Overall I enjoyed it a lot.

Minor spoiler:
I refuse to believe no one heard them getting it on in the tent. Having camped a lot myself, I know that you can hear EVERYTHING at night, even if the tents are a little apart from each other. I also think it would have been funny if they were called out (jokingly) for what went down.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAGICAL STAR GAZING

PRIDE SUMMER CAMP 2025 Is a SWEET introduction about most who have never been Camping. Written by Multiple Award Winning Authors, all Standalone Books with the Camping being the theme. BL MAXWELL brought Gavin who is running the Camp so his Father can retire. Wyatt being introverted and barely leaving his house wants to push himself to do better. Many at the camp have never been to anything like it. Wyatt absolutely comes into his own with the beauty and the challenge. The stars are so bright away from the city lights. I really enjoyed this Book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND ALL THE PRIDE SUMMER CAMP 2025!!!!!!!!!!

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Wyatt showed up at camp acorns adult pride camp, he was nervous especially since he was an extreme introvert. But after meeting Gavin the head of the camp he was smitten. I loved how both characters learned things about themselves as well as each other. I also liked how you saw the growth of the other campers. This is a low angst cute romance, that also packs some heat

[Christina Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another amazing book in the pride camp collection.

I love the whole outdoors feeling and that it’s a place for understanding and getting to be who you truly are!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book. It wasn't long around 100 plus pages but the story it told was full of camping, freedom and believing in yourself as well as falling in love. Gavin is taking over his family's camp called Camp Acorn. Its been in his family for as long as he can remember and now after his dad plans to retire it's his turn to take the reins and make the camp his. His first order of business is too open a little early than usual and have a pride camp for LGBTQ+ adults who have never been camping before. He's nervous about taking over and hopes he can do well. He just wants to make the camp into something people love and get them to learn new skills and be more confident. He just wants to be a good leader. Wyatt is an introvert who mostly keeps to himself and doesn't really have friends and doesn't feel the need to leave his house unless he has to so it's obvious that he doesn't know anything about the outdoors but he wants to do something hes never done before. When he first gets to Camp Acorn he wants to turn around right away but hes convinced by the previous owner to just give it a try because thats the first step. And man is Wyatt glad he stayed. Especially when he locks eyes with the gorgeous Gavin for the first time. Besides the hot camp leader the group he's going to have this experience with has all the good vibes. They're all so nice and friendly and have also, like Wyatt, never camped or were much for the outdoors. The more time and activities they did as a group and the more time he spent with Gavin looking at the stars and growing their attraction and connection the more Wyatt felt like he made the right choice to come to the camp and that maybe he was meant for more than just shutting himself away. He learned new things and grew more confident and had Gavin's encouragement as well as his new found friends the whole way through. Gavin also gained so much from this experience and was looking foward to many more seasons teaching kids and adults the joys of the wilderness. Wyatt wasn't the only one who grew but he also made sure Gavin always knew how great he was doing and how much he was giving people without knowing it. It was like they were made for each other and everyday spent together hiking and under the stars cements that. They fell in love and never went back. I enjoyed this book so much and am looking foward to more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scott Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, enjoyable, but probably forgettable.
This is the first book I've listened to or read from this particular series. The audio narration by Guy Veryzer was decent enough even though his name was completely new to me. In this story, Wyatt Jackson regrets lying about being sick in his youth to get out of going on a school camping trip, so he decides to go to an adult wilderness LGBTQ camp. Wyatt may or may not develop some chemistry with the new director of the camp, Gavin Johnson. Hijinx ensue. As advertised, this was very much a "no angst" romance, so would make a good vacation read for those looking for lighter fare. For me though, the lack of any angst, or any serious plot developments, and the lack of any detailed characterization as a result from the novella-length storyline, results in a rather forgettable storyline in the end. I usually prefer to wait a week or two after finishing a book before reviewing it to see if I am still thinking about the characters or plot long after I've finished it. I did not at all with this one. It was an enjoyable way to pass three hours, but that was all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author Pride Summer Camp 2025 series. Each book is a standalone read. This is the story of Wyatt Jackson and Gavin Johnson. Wyatt is happy with his life but he feels like he is getting stuck in a rut. In order to change things up, he signs up for Camping101 at Camp Acorn. Wyatt isn't much of an outdoorsman and is looking forward to experience all things camping. At least until he get there. Then he is thinking he made a mistake. Gavin is a huge outdoorsman and the new owner of Camp Acorn. This is the first time that they are running a Camping 101 for adults. He is nervous and excited all at once. Gavin notices Wyatt right away. He immediately takes him under his wing and keeps an eye on him. He is trying to pass his love of the great outdoors onto Wyatt. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I liked how patient Gavin was with Wyatt when experiencing new skills and survival techniques. This is a fun book. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entry in the shared theme series of Pride Summer Camp 2025. Gavin’s family has owned Camp Acorn – where outdoor skills are taught – all his life. He’s perhaps more comfortable in the great outdoors than anywhere else. In his first summer of running Camp Acorn mostly on his own, Gavin has added a special camp at the beginning of the season for LGBTQ+ adults to experience camp in a supportive environment.

Introverted remote worker Wyatt is looking for a change in his life and impulsively signs up for the two-week session at Camp Acorn. Arriving at camp early on his first day, Wyatt almost leaves, but is persuaded to stay and try it out. It’s fun to see Wyatt experience early success with an orienteering exercise.

This is a light, fun, very low angst story, including instant attraction/love and new beginnings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars!

This is part of the Pride Camp 2025 multi author series and features Gavin, the new owner of a children’s summer camp who’s implementing a new two week LGBTQ camp for adults who were new to camping but wanted to experience it in a non-competitive, fun, way and Wyatt, a total introvert, whose idea of hiking was on a paved walking path—and don’t even get him started on camping outdoors!

This was a cute, sweet, little novella. No angst, no drama, no third act breakup, just a quick, sweet read. Personally, I thought it was a bit of a low heat, slow burn but I know that’s a lot of readers’ preference and it’s one I’m sure they’ll enjoy. For myself, I prefer a little more steam but I still enjoyed it and recommend it without reservation. 4.25 stars!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little romance, sweet and no angst. Exactly what I was feeling like reading, and it was beautifully written.

Gavin has been camping forever, or at least as long as he can remember. He and his dad, as well as their friends who run a camp, have decided to run a camp for LGBTQ adults who haven't camped before. Enter Wyatt, who's looking for a change. The change he finds is falling in love with both the camp and Gavin. Exploring new horizons, and finding the love of his life.

As someone who isn't very outdoorsy, I really related to the campers, especially Wyatt. I also liked the side characters a lot, the people who hadn't camped before.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Wyatt signed up for an adult LBGTQ+ camping experience, he almost turned around and left before it started. An indoor introvert, Wyatt never expected to enjoy the camp, but after meeting Gavin, camp owner and leader, he finds he is really enjoying being outdoors and learning about the forest, especially under Gavin’s personal guidance. Over the two week camp experience, both men grow closer, creating something with possibilities for the future.
A sweet, slow burn, low angst tale with the newbie campers learning more than they ever expecting while building new skills and new friendships to last a lifetime. A quick read addition to the Pride Summer Camp 2025 series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate camping, I’m not a big outdoors fan, but I would have enjoyed parts of this camp, just some parts. I would be like Timmy, but 500 times worse, so not too much fun. But this story was so cute! And the setting was awesome. And Wyatt’s growth… I love this author, and when I saw the ARC for this, I grabbed it, and I leave my voluntary review. I can’t testify as to how accurate the outdoor activities are, because I’m allergic to nature, and it’s a mutual allergy, but the story was enjoyable nonetheless, cute, and I would love to see them attend camping 201 soon, it would be quite fun to see these characters again.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun! Gavin, buys Camp Acorn when it becomes available. He and his family spent many happy vacations camping when he was young. Wyatt, was ready for a big change in life. He thought a 2 week vacation 'camping' would be fun. Then he learned his idea of camping was different than Camp Acorn. He wasn't expecting rustic cabins, bugs, snakes and 'nature'. Gavin thinks Acorn is an opportunity to appreciate nature while learning to survive in the woods. This is a fun story of two men getting to know each other while learning about life. They get to an appreciation of each other and what life is about Sweet! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaves a review.

[Sharon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Just seeing the sign made me want to turn around and head back to Sacramento, or, as I had started to refer to it as, civilization."

Camping 101 written by BL Maxwell and is part of a multi- author series called Pride Camp 2025. This audiobook was narrated by Guy Veryzer. When I saw this on Booksprout I grabbed it up.

This was a cute story about a group of LGBTQ adults spending two weeks as first time campers. Poor Wyatt, maybe he's bit off more than he can chew.

First time camper, indoors versus outdoors, learning survival skills, stepping outside your comfort zone, falling in love, brings some heat while getting frisky in a tent

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gavin is taking over the operations of the camp his family runs and has decided to open early to have a camp for LGBTQIA adults who have never been to camp before. Wyatt is a city boy and very much an introvert who works from home. Wyatt arrives at camp with trepidation but with Gavin's help and guidance soon finds camp not only enjoyable, but freeing. Wyatt finds a new direction for his life as well as falling for the hunky camp director. Two weeks to change your life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camping 101 by BL Maxwell is a cute, short read perfect for when you want something warm and low-drama. Gavin, the rugged camp owner with a big heart, and Wyatt, the city guy in way over his head, make an endearing pair. Their connection builds gently as Wyatt learns to embrace the outdoors (and Gavin’s charm) at Camp Acorn.

With a charming setting, a dose of humor, and a feel-good vibe, this book is an enjoyable escape into nature and new beginnings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susi June · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐
Even after reading this book I still don't want to go camping. The book was a cute no angst story. It was very fast paced, what I like, but the conversations often felt stilted and awkward. I don't know if it makes sense when I say this, but the book didn't flow, it felt more list-ish.
I liked the beginning but it lost me after a while. I didn't mind it or anything, it just wasn't entertaining. Nonetheless I'm not disappointed that I read it. A epilogue farther into the future, would have been nice.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

Watching Wyatt fall in love with the outdoors is almost as much fun as watching him fall for Gavin. The whole group of campers makes this book fun, interspersing vignettes of learning camp skills with a building camp romance.

Gavin is a patient teacher when it comes to camping and definitely into finding out where a romance can go with Wyatt.

The book is a low angst, fairly quick read with a touch of insta-love and a dash of poison oak sightings...

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, sweet and low angst

Gavin is a bit nervous about taking over from his dad and running their camp.
Wyatt is so very nervous about being outdoors.
Gavin is very competent and helps everyone to achieve their camping goals, especially Wyatt.
I really enjoyed the camaraderie between the campers.
Gavin realizes he's got this very well in hand and Wyatt learns so much and absolutely enjoys being outdoors so much he decides to stay.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gavin bought the campground from his father (camp acorn) and decides to have a 2 week camping experience for older people. Wyatt signs up but he rarely leaves his home and has groceries delivered gets to the gate trying to decide if he really wanted to do it. Gavin’s father convinces Wyatt to continue to the cabins. Then he never left because of Gavin.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute story!
Just like a breath of fresh air such as Gavin and Wyatt may breathe in while hiking or camping in the wilderness. Wyatt, while from never having being outdoors much, turns out to be a natural at camping and being in nature, which has always been Gavin’s life, instead.
The two of them are made for each other and, with zero angst, their relationship develops seamlessly from one night of stargazing to the next camping trip!

[Lisa Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, no-angst, fun read. It's perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. Unlike the other books I already read in this multi-author series, this one does not involve k!nk, so if you assumed they all had it and want a book without, this is the one for you.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a multi author series called Pride Camp 25 and this is the third book from the series that I’ve read and it was another enjoyable read, this was a cute, sweet, angst free story about learning new things and I liked how Gavin and Wyatt supported each other. Good read looking forward to reading more from this series.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Gavin and his employees made learning to camp so much fun. I liked how Wyatt goes from nervous first time to experienced camper and how he liked it so much that he stayed on work at the camp. I'm glad Wyatt and Gavin hit it off and fell in love.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read! Gavin and Wyatt are just the sweetest! They meet at Camp Acorn where Gavin takes Wyatt under his wing and shows him the ropes of camping. I absolutely loved watching the growth in Wyatt! These two are just so adorable together!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this brilliant multi author series. This was another heartwarming addition. Plenty of cuteness and sweetness with the mcs Wyatt and Gavin. A heartwarming low angst storyline where their instant lust soon turns to love!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.